A college has unveiled plans for a £48 million redevelopment of its landmark building.

Varndean College wants to demolish the current 1930s structure in Surrenden Road, Brighton, and replace it with a modern design of glass and brick.

Principal Phil Harland said the redevelopment was needed to accommodate the growing student rolls and provide better facilities.

But the demolition has been criticised by the Brighton Society and the Preston and Old Patcham Society, which are calling for the existing building to be preserved.

Selma Montford, secretary of the Brighton Society, said: “Varndean College is a stately building, grandly looking across the fields below, over the city to the sea.

“The plan is to demolish it and replace it with an undistinguished building of glass and tile, with a flat roof, giving the impression of a temporary structure.

“In an attempt to claim that their design is iconic the architects have created a giant gimmicky glass bubble at the entrance.”

Mr Harland said students and staff needed up-to-date facilities.

He said: “We have taken people’s views on board. We do realise this building has been part of the city’s views since the 1930s.

“We are planning for the 21st century but the building we have is for 500 people in the 1930s. We tried to maintain as much of the old building as possible but that was not possible as it would not have been a very efficient use of space.”

The Government’s Learning and Skills Council is to fund most of the £48 million.

The redevelopment will include sports facilities, a nursery and a gym available to the the public.

A planning application has been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council and is expected to be dealt with by the end of the year. The new school could be open by September 2011.